US foresees democratic elections in Pak soon: Negroponte

The United States foresees democratic elections being held in Pakistan very soon, US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte has said.

Islamabad, Sep 13 : The United States foresees democratic elections being held in Pakistan very soon, US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte has said.

"We look forward to democratic elections being held in Pakistan here quite shortly. We think it's important that there is a smooth and democratic political transition.," Negroponte told reporters.

He said that the United States would continue to stand in partnership with Pakistanis as they build on their nation's many strengths.

"Our relationship with the Pakistani people goes far beyond security and counter-terrorism," The News quoted Negroponte, as saying.

Negroponte, who held the second round of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan, said the talks focussed on the Washington developing a long-term relationship with Islamabad in the areas of economy, energy, security, technology and education.

Commenting on former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's deportation to Jeddah, he it was "an internal Pakistani political and legal matter, and it's for the government and people of Pakistan to decide".

Offering broad support to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Negroponte said: "We welcome Pakistan's leadership as a voice of moderation and reason in the Islamic world. Your nation remains a valuable ally in the war on terror."

He said they had discussed comments by US officials that did not rule out unilateral strikes in tribal areas of Pakistan, but added that Islamabad would be consulted.

"If we intend to carry out whatever activities we do in the tribal areas there will be complete respect for the sovereignty of Pakistan," the Deputy Secretary of State said.

Praising Pakistan's efforts in combating militancy in its tribal areas, Negroponte said,"There is no doubt whatsoever of Pakistan's commitment to restoring and establishing security in that part of the country and more than doing its share in the war against terror."

"We stand with all of those Pakistanis who have been wounded or who have lost loved ones, and we hold a special place of honour for those who sacrificed their lives in protecting not only Pakistanis but also the entire world from acts of terrorism," he added.

Issues relating to bilateral relationship were discussed during the second round of talks, Khan told reporters.

He said that talks would be helpful in promoting peace, stability and security in the region.

Pakistan had assured the US that no one would be allowed to use its soil for extremist and terrorist activities against any country, Khan added.

The first round of talks was held earlier this year in Washington.

ANI